Riberos Del Almonte Special Protection Area (SPA) for Birds

The Riberos del Almonte Special Protection Area for Birds stretches from the western slopes of Las Villuercas and most of the plains of Cáceres through to the Alcántara II reservoir, an area that encompasses the left bank of the Almonte river, one of the most important tributaries of the Tagus river, along with its own tributaries such as the Tozo, the Marinejo, the Magasca and the Tamujo. This protected area spanning over 100 km is home to a wide variety of flora including holm oak, chestnut, broom, alder, ash and many other species. If you're very lucky, you may only find the rare water fern Marsilea strigosa, which resembles a four-leaf clover.

Such rich flora in turn attracts a wide range of animals. These include five species of fish, otters, Mediterranean pond terrapins and various kinds of birds, including black storks, Iberian imperial eagles, golden eagles, Egyptian vultures and griffon vultures.

In the summer months, most wildlife gathers around areas where there is still water, as most waterways in El Almonte carry far less water at this time of the year.